A Blog about the walking activities of Mick & Gayle, from short strolls to Big Walks, interspersed with other random thoughts about things outdoor related.

The Road goes ever on and on; Down from the door where it began;Now far ahead the Road has gone; And I must follow, if I can;Pursuing it with eager feet; Until it joins some larger way;Where many paths and errands met; And whither then? I cannot say. [JRR Tolkien, Lord of the Rings]

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Wednesday, 13 May 2009

Day 5 - Pubil to Bridge of Balgie

12 May12.5 miles 3500' ascent

Our day didn't have the most successful start when it turned out that the first track we intended to take had been curtailed by someone who had built a big house there. What we did find at the end of the now dead-end was a group of 6 challengers pitched in someone's back garden - including Darren who had blown a little off his intended course.

After hearing how they had been treated to tea and beer by the people who had allowed them to pitch, we dragged ourselves away, back to the road and to the next track along - which was the driveway to the new house.

We followed the drive a little nervously thinking that we may be somewhere we shouldn't be but it came good and we got to where we needed to be.

A slightly longer than plotted route was then taken up Stuchd an Lochain purely because it looked nicer on the ground and we basked in the loveliness of it all.

Had the day been a rainy one then I'm sure that my thighs would have burned on the ascent, I would have puffed and panted and it would have been jolly hard work. As it was, in the spectacular conditions, I skipped along loving every minute.

The views were first class from the top, which we had to ourselves, and the first day walkers were not seen until we had visited our second top of the day and were on our way down.

From the end of Loch an Daimh it was a road walk to Bridge of Balgie - which is the point where our route intersects last year's LEJOG route. This time, however, the tea room was open so we tarried a while before joining 4 others to camp at the picnic area (complete with toilet facilities).

There are 'no camping' signs here and the Laird did spot us and stop by to see what was going on, but was happy when we explained.

A sociable evening has been had and we're now looking forward to another sunny day tomorrow (please!).

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It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door [...] You step into the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.[Bilbo to Frodo, JRR Tolkien, Lord of the Rings]